Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The Escalon Outlaws Football and Cheer will be holding sign-ups for the 2017 season at the Escalon Public Library. Sign-ups are scheduled for Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Program officials said they are looking forward to another fun filled season. The Outlaws are excited to continue their success in developing the abilities of the young men and young ladies in our community. Visit them on Facebook and www.escalonoutlaws.org.
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Help with income tax preparation for low to moderate income residents is available each week at the Escalon Community Center. Karen Corey, who helps oversee the senior meal program there, also runs the tax assistance program at the senior site each Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; by appointment only. Call to make an appointment, 209-783-VITA (8482).
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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner, hosted by the Escalon Lions Club. This annual feed is set for Thursday, March 16 at the Escalon Community Center. Tickets are $20 per person for the traditional meal and doors open at 6 p.m. for a social hour. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and a drive-thru dinner will be offered starting at 7 p.m. as well. Inside, enjoy complimentary wine on the tables, raffle drawings, and live music. Tickets are available from Lions Club members or at the door. Proceeds benefit the club’s high school scholarship program.
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The City of Escalon is developing a Transit Service Plan for its eTrans public transportation service. The city is hosting a workshop on transit choices from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 17. This workshop is expected to raise some difficult and interesting choices about what kind of services the city should provide. Those planning on attending are asked to RSVP to John Andoh at transit@cityofescalon.org.
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The Escalon Fair Boosters are hosting their annual dinner, dance and auction, both live and silent, on Saturday, April 1 at the Escalon Community Center. This event benefits Escalon 4-H and FFA students participating in agricultural projects. The silent and live auctions are a major component of this event and donations are currently being sought for items to auction off. To make a donation, contact Karie Hearn at 1-408-489-9705 or Rachelle Matthews at 209-543-4498. The dinner, dance and auction begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m., followed by dancing until midnight featuring the music of the local band Remedy. Ticket prices are $40 pre-sale or $45 at the door per person. For tickets, contact Ted Langum at 209-838-2011 or Karie Hearn at 1-408-489-9705.
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Make time to stop by and see the artwork featured in the Student Art Showcase, which continues through March 30, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, at the Stanislaus County Office of Education, 1100 H St., second floor, Modesto. The Student Art Showcase features student work from preschool to advanced high school students across Region 6, which includes Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties.
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A special Mother’s Day Tea will be presented at the McHenry Mansion in Modesto on Saturday, May 13. The Tea Luncheons have been a tradition for many local families and, as always, benefit the Mansion Foundation in maintaining this historical location. McHenry Mansion is at 906 15th St., Modesto and two seatings are planned for the May 13 event. The first will be at 11 a.m.; the second at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person; call for reservations at (209) 522-1739 by May 5.
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Riverbank welcomes the REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 22. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Get on board the eighth annual Ride The Rails For Relay event on the Niles Canyon Railway, with three different departure times available. The train leaves from Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Road, Sunol on Saturday, April 29 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with live entertainment on the train with free wine tasting and snacks and beverages available for purchase. You can also bring a picnic to eat on the train or in the park. Trains are handicap and wheelchair accessible. Cost for tickets is $25 for adults, children 2 to 12, $15 and under 2 ride for free. Trains run in all weather; train and crew donated by Niles Canyon Railway. Make checks payable to American Cancer Society. Locally, Gerri Andrade has tickets available, contact her at 209-324-6947 or email at gmagerri@sbcglobal.net.
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Knights Ferry History Museum and Associates have joined with the Army Corps of Engineers to host the 27th Annual Gold Country Peddlers Faire on Sunday, April 23. The event will be hosted at the Stanislaus River Park, on Covered Bridge Road, Knights Ferry, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A large selection of antiques, handmade crafts and art, as well as food booths will be on hand. Persons interested in vendor space may obtain information by contacting Vendor Coordinator Gayle Higgins at gaylethiggins@gmail.com or 209-480-3602.
